Uzbekistan launches nationwide “Jobs for the Poor” programme

A national seminar was held at the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment on the implementation of the “Jobs for the Poor” (J4P) programme. The event was attended by representatives of the World Bank, ministries and agencies, non-governmental non-profit organizations and the private sector.

Within the programme, a national working group on expanding economic opportunities will be established, and a two-year action plan will be developed.

The action plan will include the following areas:

• improving the effectiveness of self-employment and entrepreneurship programmes;

• strengthening interagency cooperation;

• creating a sustainable financial system.

Uzbekistan aims to reduce the national poverty rate to 6 percent by the end of 2025. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev mentioned this goal on 17 September in Namangan during the opening ceremony of the third international forum on poverty reduction, “From Poverty to Prosperity”. A total of 7.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, bringing the poverty rate down to 8.9 percent in 2024. According to the President, such results were made possible by the doubling of Uzbekistan’s economy in recent years and the expected increase in per capita income to $3,500 by year-end.

He noted that targeted social registries – a key instrument during the transition period – have been introduced, ensuring that all households in need are covered. During the pandemic, 800,000 families received free medication, 255,000 families were provided with food supplies, and another 1.2 million families received social benefits.

As a result, 5.2 million people were protected from falling into the “poverty trap”, while economic recession was prevented.

According to the President, Uzbekistan is striving to meet its commitment to cut poverty by half by 2030 ahead of schedule. “By 2030, we have every opportunity to eliminate absolute poverty in Uzbekistan in line with international standards,” the president said.